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Monday, March 09, 2015

International Women's Day was celebrated yesterday at Scuppernong Books on South Elm Street. People of all ages and backgrounds assembled to enjoy a diverse collection of voices: Jaki Shelton Green, Debra Kaufman, Veronica Grossi, Ashley "Milli" Lumpkin, Barbara Kenyon, Trudy Young Taylor, Sheryl Rider, Birgul Tuzlali, and Stephanie Lindley. These nine accomplished writers spoke to a full house in the back of the bookstore. In the above photo, "Milli" is reading some of her emotional, powerful poetry. How nice to have these wonderful literary events in our community. Thank you, Scuppernong's.

In addition to the event at Scuppernong's, down the street, in the Greensboro Coliseum, the women's basketball team of Notre Dame played and beat Florida State, becoming 2015 ACC tournament champions. Yesterday, from having their way with sports to having their way with words, women in Greensboro were being celebrated for living their dreams. To women everywhere, may this be the best year ever!

Sunday, March 08, 2015

The above photo is a shot of Eclectic by Nature, located in a little house on State Street. The store specializes in Earth and Spirituality products ranging from altar tools to wallet/prayer cards to witch balls and everything in between. People of all religions visit the shop for items like incense, essential oils, and new age music CD's; however, the store also has items that cater specifically to Earth Spirituality, Paganism, & Wicca.

Many people aren't aware of the diversity and wide range of religious practices right here in Greensboro: From ultra-conservative and fundamentalist to liberal beliefs; from monotheism to polytheism to atheism. This little shop, that has been thriving on State Street for ten years (and was downtown before that), tries to have something for everybody.

Sometimes, it can be hard to understand religious beliefs that are different from our own. However, the important part is that we are tolerant of others and not feel threatened by our community's diversity. Happy Sunday and may you be filled with love for humanity, regardless of what you believe.

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

Glendi Higgins, photographed above, was on the front end of a giant trend. He had the first bicycle shop in Greensboro. He started selling bikes in the late 50's and by the early 60's had a bicycle shop on Spring Garden Street across from Yum Yum's Ice Cream Shop. By the early 1970's, UNCG was expanding and needed his property to accommodate their growth. Undaunted, Mr. Higgins built his store in its current location on Battleground Avenue, across from what is now Cookout and Omega Sports. Mr. Higgins had owned the land since 1951. Originally, the property had a church with a parsonage beside it and there was nothing but woods across the street. Before long, an A&P grocery store went up and the woods went down. Now, the neighborhood has changed completely and, at 85 years old, Mr. Higgins is one of the rare keepers of knowledge about Battleground Avenue in mid-20th century Greensboro. He is also one of those rare folks who is not too busy to take the time to talk to customers.

We stopped in to look for a used bicycle and were impressed with his inventory, which is very reasonably priced. You can get a good used bike for $100. It may not be the trendiest name and latest carbon-fiber technology; however, if you need something reliable to get you from Point A to Point B, you cannot beat Mr. Higgins' offerings. UNCG students still flock to him to find a bike they can use during their time in Greensboro and, upon graduation, they know where they can go to sell back their bike. Mr. Higgins is the epitome of entrepreneurship and "keeping-it-local." Today is ABC Wednesday and for our ABC Local series, H is for Higgins Cycle Shop; Higgins Lock and Key.

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

Today, we're at the corner of Market and Elm Street, ground zero for Greensboro. This is where the city splits from north to south and from east to west. The building on the corner is being renovated. It will be exciting to watch the progress and this important corner. It would be nice to have some kind of marker there indicating the significance of the corner. Also in view in Venice Pizza, which has been a downtown institution for quite a while now. Conveniently, they offer the option to order online. However, we wish they had a little bit of their history available to customers. To our knowledge, the owners have been selling pizza in Greensboro for at least two decades.

We'll try to find out more, next time we're on a photo shoot downtown. We should have asked the man carrying in a box on the left, He probably knew. At any rate, we're excited to watch all of the changes happening in Greensboro and it is always nice when empty spaces get occupants. Happy Tuesday!

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Today, we're sharing the back side of Fidelity Bank's snowman. From his view in front of the bank, he sees the changing face of Battleground Avenue. Over the last year, several mattress and e-cigarette stores have popped up, and one of each is visible to Frosty. VAPOR is peeking out of the left edge of the photo. VAPOR is housed in what was formerly a Subway sandwich shop. Subway has relocated across the street, closer to Honeybaked Ham, on the lot which had been a Wagoneer's Christmas tree lot for years. SLEEPY'S Mattress is in a new stand alone building on a lot which, for a while housed Buffalo Wings. Buffalo's had moved from the metal-looking building up the street, which had formerly been a gas station and is now a pizza shop.

Are you confused yet? Indeed, it is a lot to keep up with and, if you haven't driven Battleground Avenue for a while, you just might not recognize where you are. The Battleground shuffle is dizzying. From the urban loop on the northern end to Cornwallis Drive, the Battleground construction boom is in full force. Frosty's hands are in the air as he contemplates the changes that will take place on this road between now and when he returns next winter.

As we say goodbye to February, we are confident that not many other than Frosty will be sorry to see the it end.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Nothing says snow day fun like building a snowman. Yesterday's snow in Greensboro was the perfect texture for building snowmen. The temperature hovered around 30 degrees, so it wasn't unreasonably cold, yet cold enough for the snow not to melt. The above snowman on Battleground Avenue was built in front of Fidelity Bank. We're guessing employees at the bank constructed Mr. Frosty. He was friendly, yet imposing; over five feet tall and wearing an adult's cardigan. He was smiling, yet had switches for hands. His necktie was a garbage bag. Indeed, dressing snow people brings out great creativity.

Roads were actually navigable yesterday; however, not many people ventured out. Five inches of snow is a lot for Greensboro. According to historical weather data (here), in 1965, eight inches fell in a 24-hour period. While we didn't break that record, the snowfall was enough to keep people home and many businesses closed. We visited a Greensboro store at 6pm yesterday and, as it turns out, we were their very first customer of the day. Thank you Fidelity Bank, for providing this little bit of winter joy to all of us driving along Battleground.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Lady Liberty was spotted on Battleground Avenue on Tuesday morning, sporting a Statue-of-Liberty costume and holding a rainbow umbrella with her bright red gloves. Standing in front of a Jimmy John's and near an American flag,Lady Liberty created a scene is brimming with Americana. She was there on behalf of Liberty Tax Service to promote their income tax preparation services. After all, in a month and a half, it will be time to file.

It takes a special personality to work in this type of advertising, standing on the side of the road calling attention to oneself. Lady Liberty seemed to have a happy, upbeat personality, perhaps actually enjoying sending out smiles to morning commuters. And, the weather was not the greatest that day. Wonder if she will be there if the predicted snowstorm arrives in Greensboro. All we can think about is more photo opportunities. However, we'd better be thinking about preparing our taxes...and dealing with the inclement weather!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Gate City Transportation provides non-emergency transportation in the Greensboro area: wheel chair, ambulatory, and respite transportation services. They have been in business for sixteen years and are staffed with EMT certified drivers. The service is perfect for people who need to get to doctors' appointments who are not in the position to drive themselves. Each passenger is allowed one person to ride with them as an escort. Having access to a door-to-door transportation makes living independently possible for people who would otherwise have to make other arrangements. Roderick Jessup started the business after transporting his grandmother and aunts and seeing a need for this service in Greensboro. The day we were walking from South Elm Street to Southside, we saw this bus parked in the westernmost lot on MLK Drive. They may have other stations.

For this round of ABC Wednesday, we're saluting local businesses and entrepreneurs of Greensboro and Gate City Transportation is one such example. G is for Gate City Transportation. Greensboro was once known as the Gate City because we were the hub of so many railroad cars. While the mode of transportation is different, the GCT fleet represents the spirit of getting from Point A to Point B, the hometown way. If the predicted snow comes, even Gate City Transportation may be parked as our city will be at a standstill.

Monday, February 23, 2015

This 1975 checker cab sits in front of the O. Henry Hotel waiting to be dispatched to retrieve hotel guests from the airport. This meticulously restored vehicle is also available to take guests to dinner at the hotel's sister restaurants. It has also been known to take guests to the theatre. When the checker cab is not available, their fleet of London taxis are used (see our photo, here). For locals, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily living and even easier to forget that such elegant touches of fine living are available right here in Greensboro. Maybe it is time to plan a vacation without leaving town!

As it turns out, the above cab has quite a pedigree. It hails from Kalamazoo, Michigan and was once owned by Edward Benjamin, founder of the Starmount Co. and the person for whom Benjamin Boulevard was named. Jim Schlosser wrote about this cab in the News & Record. The article is well worth reading. See, here. Happy Monday, dear readers!

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Last weekend, we ran into Ken Collins who specializes in creating and painting unique furniture and accessories. Above, Ken is featured with one of the great lamps he made out of old parts from the now defunct Newman Machine. Ken is so creative and loves to combine little bits of Greensboro's history with his design elements. We first became aware of his artistry at Adelaide's on Spring Garden. The above photo was taken at Lewis Street's newest business, ReAligned, a store of vintage items and repurposed treasures in Downtown Greensboro. Shopkeeper Melanie Knier has taken the little building just off South Elm Street, at Southside, and turned it into something that has tremendous potential. Personally, we'd love to see a little café in her outside space.

If you haven't been downtown in a while, you definitely need to visit the loop that starts at the railroad tracks on Barnhardt Street, back through the parking lot and around to Lewis Street, across Elm Street to East Lewis and then over to MLK Drive ending up at Dame's Chicken and Waffles. Downtown is changing before our eyes and people like Melanie and Ken are part of this new wave of businesses around the 500 block of South Elm Street.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Nothing looks lonelier than a car wash on an icy, snowy, winter day. The above photo was taken at the corner of West Market and Longale Streets. We couldn't find a name for this car wash which is located behind a used car lot, not too far from the DMV office. With temperatures down in the single digits last night, people probably aren't quite ready to head to the car wash; however, as soon as it warms up a little bit, they will be packed! We hope you have a great weekend and, for those families whose children have been out of school all week, consider going somewhere like the Greensboro Science Center, Children's Museum, or one of the public libraries to get everyone out of the house for a little while. Remember, spring is less than a month away!

Some of our readers actually look forward to our car wash photos, so we'll provide links to a few of the older ones. See here,here, and our all time favorite, here.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Forge is a non-profit makerspace, funded by members, donations, and sponsors. It is a collaborative workshop area that provides tools for woodworking and metal fabrication. According to the sign in their window, "[t]he collaborative area can be used for everything from software development to just reading a book." They work with local entrepreneurship groups to help bridge the gap between idea and product. Thanks to The Forge, there are three new businesses, an internship, four new jobs and a patent (pending).*

Located at 115 West Lewis Street, they call themselves a Makerspace and a Hackerspace. Members have 24/7 access; so, those of you who don't sleep well, always know you have a place to go to nurture creative genius, even if it is 2:00 am! They even have a patio and a conference room. Membership is $45 a month. They have been open since July 2014. Previous events have included a build-your-own-guitar workshop; a presentation on the history of art and technology; and a 3-D printing workshop. It sort of seems like a giant playground for adults where great things happen through collaboration and trial and error!

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Last night was opening night of the 4th annual show featuring art 35 visual arts teachers from the Guilford County Schools. The event was held at Irving Park Art & Frame, at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Cornwallis Drive. The artwork was fabulous and Irving Park Art & Frame had a grand assortment of food and beverages for all who attended. The event, which was free and open to the public, was well received by the community. The art ranged from thought provoking to whimsical. Especially noteworthy were the framed, pencil drawings on paper bags by Steve Cozart who teaches at Weaver Academy.* Mr. Cozart explains the paper bag test and its relevance to the Jim Crow South, here.

This collaborative venture gives the public school teachers a chance to take their art beyond the walls of the classroom and model the North Carolina Visual Arts Standards for their students. It gives art teachers a chance to develop a relationship with a gallery. If you get a chance, stop by the exhibit and support the efforts of Guilford County's hardworking art teachers and thank the frame shop for hosting the event. If you go today, you just might find a piece of art for that special someone in your life.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Recently, Susan Ladd of the News and Record wrote an article on entrepreneurship in Greensboro. Above, we feature one of the entrances to the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship on South Elm-Eugene Street. This is a private, non-profit corporation, founded in 1987. The business incubator offers space and support services to entrepreneurs whose businesses are in the early stage of growth. Their Entrepreneur Assistance Support and Education (EASE) program is a partnership between the Nussbaum Center and the Bryan School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

As you can see by the sign in the upper, left-hand corner, the center is located in the offices of the former Carolina Steel building. With programs like EASE to scaffold the success of start-up businesses, the time has never been better for trying to follow one's dreams and opening a business. "Local" is the new "big." Today is ABC Wednesday and E is for Entrepreneurship. See more of our ABC Local series, here.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Did you know Greensboro used to have a thriving cigar industry? The above historical marker is found on South Elm Street, just north of the railroad tracks at Barnhardt Street. It denotes the existence of the cigar industry, dating it between 1903- 1955. At one time, there were 14 shops along South Elm Street. Greensboro's tobacco industry is well documented; however, google searches do not yield information about the cigar industry.

The O.Henry Magazine wrote about the industry in their November 2013 edition (p. 45, see here). In the article, the demise of the cigar industry is attributed to the rising popularity of cigarettes around the time of the world wars and the notion that "old men" smoked cigars. To appreciate the scope of the industry, in 1912, Roger Lang's cigar production company made over 20,000 cigars in April of that year. The O.Henry article goes on to say that Greensboro preferred to be known as a textile community and that the cigar industry likely lost their labor to the textile mills.

Saturday, February 07, 2015

Last night was First Friday in downtown Greensboro. By about 6:00, people were starting to come out to enjoy the event. While the Indie Market was not set up this month, there were plenty of opportunities to find things to do and purchase. The above photo features a pop up flower cart at the corner of South Elm and Washington Streets from last night. Next Saturday is Valentines Day, so it is not too early to buy flowers for that special someone in your life. Notice Thousands O'Prints in the upper left-hand corner. They are famous for changing their window displays daily and for having them relate thematically. We're betting they will have some good Valentine's Day posters featured. Their window display would make a great backdrop for a romantic Valentine's Day photo.

While the above pop-up stand featured traditional colors, recently, we found a bouquet of taupe roses at Costco on Wendover. Wonder how people would react if they received taupe roses for Valentine's Day. What do you think?

Wednesday, February 04, 2015

Krispy Kreme is an American/global doughnut company with its headquarters the next county over in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Vernon Rudolph began selling the doughnuts as an 18 year old in 1933. Over the years, the business has expanded and they are now sold in Australia, Africa, Asia, and in many other parts of the world, with over 90 stores in Japan alone. If they turn on their signature "hot" sign when they have hot doughnuts for sale, they will be a hit in Japan, where sometimes sushi can be so fresh that its muscles quiver while you are eating it.

The Krispy Kreme cruiser was recently spotted at the Greensboro Coliseum in the exhibit hall during the US National Figure Skating Championships. It is known for traveling all over the United States and delivering donuts to people and places in need of a little sweetness in their life. It even has its own twitter account @KKDCruiser. The cruiser came about as a means of celebrating the company's 77th birthday and the paint job is meant to evoke the company's delivery trucks from the 1940's.

Today is ABC Wednesday and for our "Keep it Local" round, D is for Doughnut-cruiser. We know, last week we featured cake and this week doughnuts. We're not planning to focus on food this entire round; however, for our friends with dietary restrictions over Lent, you have exactly two weeks to partake. How about having the last person at work today treat the office! Better yet, find someone worthy and nominate them for a visit from the Doughnut-mobile!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

GSO is the three-letter code for the Piedmont Triad International Airport. This is the ticketing area of the terminal. As seen above, GSO is under renovation. The multi-million dollar renovation will improve the ceiling and office space. Additionally, the airport plans to enhance the travel experience for passengers. Wireless internet, charging stations for devices, and interactive kiosks are also in the plans.

The airport, located eight miles west of Greensboro, has been serving our community since 1927. Here is a great timeline for the history of events, significant to the airport. This is not your grandpa's airport! If you get a chance, stop out for a visit. They have great artwork displayed downstairs. As for the orange, plastic construction fence, it is kind of fun to navigate. Welcome to GSO!

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Banana pudding cake or chocolate layer cake, which would you pick? The above photo was taken at Maxie B's cake shop on Battleground Avenue. Featured are a few of the over two dozen cake-by-the-slice offerings at the store. We cropped out the customers, thinking that at the end of a busy work day people might want a little anonymity in their celebratory cake purchasing. One man was going to surprise his wife with a slice of cake and we didn't want to spoil the surprise! Maxie B's is truly a Greensboro success story, which owner, Robin Davis outlines nicely on the company website.

Maxie B's dates back to 1985 when, in the first iteration, it was a frozen yogurt shop. Robin tells of the serendipitous nature of her shop's transformation to focusing on cakes. She was in search of the perfect chocolate cake. Combing through old recipes, she found one that hit the spot. Fast forward, nearly 30 years, and she has built an award winning business by baking old-timey cakes that please the 21st-century palate- local farm eggs, pure vanilla, and fresh ingredients. From cupcakes to cake-by-the-slice to whole cakes to cakes for special occasions (especially weddings), Robin built a business that fits nicely with the current trend for owners to specialize and to provide services and products for their local community. For a future post, we'll try to interview Robin. We want to know if she has a 30-year anniversary planned and what cake she will select for the occasion! For now, today is ABC Wednesday. For our A-Z Local series, C is for Cake!

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Those of you who follow Greensboro Daily Photo know that we like night photography, because it is so challenging. Last night, when returning from dinner in Burlington, we drove past the Brightwood Inn. With so much construction on Burlington Road, it is hard to remember how a trip to Brightwood must have been several decades ago, when it was seemingly the only thing to appear on the horizon for several miles during this east/west trek- a giant oasis on the deserted country highway. The inn's fifteen minutes of fame came when Elvis was once there. The booth he occupied is still there.

On another note, every year or so, we find what call a "Guy Noir" moment. Guy Noir is a fictional private detective who parodies pulp fiction novels and the film noir genre. Garrison Keilor voiced the character whose segments first aired in 1995.* When the camera serendipitously captured a guy walking in to the Brightwood, we realized we had another Guy Noir moment. Wonder what Garrison would have to say about the scene. At any rate, it was something to think about on a dark and rainy ride back to the Gate City.

Friday, January 23, 2015

The Old Mill of Guilford, located on Highway 68 near Oak Ridge, has been a Greensboro institution since 1764. The mill is often photographed from the outside, but not so often on the inside. Above, we see current owner Alice Klug who has owned the mill since 2008.* The photo was taken on the last day they were open before Christmas. Alice was working tirelessly to take phone orders and help people shopping in the store. Additionally, the Old Mill has a web presence where orders can be placed online. From buckwheat flour to grits to sweet potato muffin mix, the store has many delicious options.

When the previous owners, the Parnells, died in 2007, the community was concerned that the mill might not continue to operate. However, Annie Laura Perdue became the miller and the Klugs stepped forward to purchase the mill. Additionally, community members volunteer there. Characteristic of the south's great love of tradition and history, Greensboro is happy to see this 240-year-old mill still going strong. As for The Klugs and Ms. Perdue, likely they realize they are just keepers of this great place. It is obvious they pour their time, effort and hearts into seeing that this great place is around for the next generation... and the next. It is worth visiting, if you haven't yet made the trip.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Air Harbor Airport, FAA identifier W88, is an asphalt-strip runway located six miles north of Greensboro. This privately owned airfield has a runway that is 2460 feet long and 65 feet wide with an elevation of 822 feet. While the runway is too short for commercial airlines, it does accommodate twin engine planes; perfect for general aviation pilots. Flying lessons are also given there.

Open since the 1940's, Air Harbor represents a slice of Americana that is quickly disappearing due to urban sprawl. Many of these rural landing strips are being sold for housing developments, strip malls, and other commercial ventures. As for now, Air Harbor appears to be safe from development. As a matter of fact, land is being cleared for upgrading hangars. In the above photo, a Piper Cherokee has just landed and the pilot is getting ready to park it on the turf.

Just to the left and beyond the photo, is the airport's FBO (fixed based office) where you can pay for gas or just sit around and make hangar talk. Telling hangar tales comes with the territory and, in Greensboro as well as the south in general, we love to sit around talking to people with common interests. At the FBO, time stands still, as pilots spend the afternoon talking about life in the friendly skies.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

American rodeo champion Trevor Brazile is sponsored by Wrangler, which explains the sign hanging at Wrangler's headquarters in Downtown Greensboro. Born in Amarillo, Texas, Brazile loves being a cowboy and is known as rodeo's most decorated professional. Wrangler loves outfitting cowboys and Brazile's long sleeve plaid shirts are particularly popular with the rodeo-loving crowd. Bazile also appears in the company's ads for jeans. His wife Shada designs baby clothes for Wrangler; she rides horses and barrel races, too. The only thing that would make this story sweeter would be if Trevor and Shada were from Greensboro.

Wrangler's connection to Greensboro dates back to the late 1800's (read history, here). The name Wrangler came about, back in the 1940's, when the Blue Bell Overall Company named a line of jeans- intended for cowboys, "Wrangler." Their early cowboy jeans are still in production today. However, Wrangler doesn't just rely on past success. They bank on keeping their look fresh and contemporary. In 2011, Wrangler started a design contest for someone to design the next best thing in jeans. North Carolina's own Song Anh Nguyen was the first winner.* While we may not have the Braziles in Greensboro, we have talented designers, some of whom are creating great product lines for our hometown company.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

The above photo shows an exciting new venture in Downtown Greensboro on Lewis Street, an area of Greensboro dubbed, "The Railyard." While it might not look like much now, this 10,000 square ft. space, formerly a stable from 1898, will be transformed into a shared workspace for entrepreneurs. It will include offices, meeting and conference spaces, outdoor patios, cafe space, co-working space, and soft space.

HQ Greensboro's "sibling", HQ Raleigh, is collaborating on the project with Andy Zimmerman, the AZ of AZ Development.* The goal for this project is to create cross-state opportunities for economic growth. Andy Zimmerman, himself an entrepreneur, started one of the world's largest kayak and canoe companies and is owner of Greensboro's "Get Outdoors." Andy is approaching this project with a great sense of adventure and is by no mean relying on past success. He plans to remain true to his dad's advice, if "you want something, you earn it."**

Today is ABC Wednesday and it is time for a new round. We're calling this series A-Z Local and will feature local businesses, entrepreneurs and innovative development in Greensboro. We hope we can live up to that goal! Good things are happing in Greensboro and the time has never been better for turning a dream into reality!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Dame's Chicken and Waffles opened in Southside, August 2012, a couple of years after the original location opened in Durham. In the two and a half years that the Greensboro location has been open, Damion (Dame) Moore has amassed quite a following. According to Dame, the restaurant is where "crispy, Southern fried perfection meets deliciously sweet European decadence." Perhaps their greatest recognition came by having been mentioned in the latest edition of The New York Times book, "36 Hours USA & Canada." The book explores and touts places to go and things to do in a weekend.

Dame's is a family-friendly place to go to sit and soak up the jazz-filled atmosphere, talk to friends, and eat good breakfast food all day long. The above photo features the front side of the restaurant and the bar. There is another room around the side. On Saturday it was a full house and Southside was hopping!

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Zymolysis is the process of fermentation* and craft beer-making has taken North Carolina by storm. The above photo is of the fermentation vats at Gibb's Hundred on Lewis Street, a new brewery in Greensboro. The person to the right is Erin Will who has been working there since Gibb's opened about three months ago. At the moment, Gibb's has three brews on tap. If you are over 21, stop in and Erin will let you sample something. Erin is passionate about her job, so much so that she is a student at Rockingham Community College in Eden, working towards an associate's degree in brewing, distillation, and fermentation.

Not only are North Carolina's community colleges offering frementation studies, Appalachian State University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Fermentation Science. The programs are about more than the science of brewing and fermenting. They also address marketing, business development, and entrepreneurship. Locally, Gibb's Hundred, Natty Greene's, Pig Pounder Brewery, and Red Oak Brewery will be seeking people like Erin who are not only passionate about their jobs but also experts in fermentation! Today is ABC Wednesday and Z is for zymolysis.

Monday, January 05, 2015

Dixie Lock & Key Service is located on Lewis Street, right down the street from the pop-up, Winterfest skating rink. It is a Lewis Street institution. Many of the other old-timey businesses have come and gone from this area of downtown Greensboro, known as South End; however, this Monday-Friday business is full of inventory. It looks like one of those places where you could get a key made for door from previous centuries.

In a News & Record article, Jonelle Davis describes the ambience as follows, "you can sit and wait for your keys to be made in a cloth van seat- complete with ashtrays and armrests."* Dixie Lock & Key even appears in National Lampoon's movie "Pucked," filmed in the Triad area in 2005** Hopefully, it will be around for years to come. There is an art to cutting a key and it is always nice having a specialty store around.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

While the holiday light balls in Sunset Hills have been all the rage for several years now, the newest local innovation is a strand of lights, known as Blinkies. Roger Briles of Roger's Products, Inc., in nearby Kernersville, has been making products for sport fishing for over 35 years. Whereas the Sunset Hills display operates under the assumption that more is more, with Blinkies, less is more. Their magic is hard to capture in a photograph as each 36' strand only has 12 bulbs. And, given that they blink at different times, there are never many blinking on at once. The above photo features a strand or two in a tree on Highway 150, somewhere between Greensboro and Kernersville.

On a quiet evening, with low light pollution, there is such a calm feeling to watching the Blinkies work through a cycle on a tree. Roger says they are nicest on medium sized trees. He created them ten years ago for personal use and to give to friends. However, once downtown Kernersville started using them, they really caught on. If you get a chance this season, drive through downtown Kernersville and see the best local display of Blinkes. Also, notice many trees have a strand with one red "Rudolph" bulb. How special that the Triad boasts starting the trend of the light balls and, now, Blinkies.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Women's Hospital has been a Greensboro institution since 1990. The 134-bed hospital not only delivers babies, but, according to their website, "provide[s] compassionate and exceptional care for every stage of life."* Women's Hospital has the distinction of being North Carolina's first free-standing hospital for women. Additionally, since 1998, Moses Cone and Wesley Long hospitals have consolidated all maternity services there. However, since August of this year, Moses Cone Hospital officials revealed that they are considering closing the hospital.

If Women's closed, the maternity unit would relocate to nearby Moses Cone Hospital on North Elm Street. Other than the cost-saving measures, part of the justification is that women could receive a full range of services during delivery, especially complicated ones such as a mom having high blood pressure or diabetes. Additionally, women and children could receive services in the same place. We should know within the year if a 50,000 addition to Moses Cone Hospital will be approved. For now, Women's Hospital is Greensboro's go-to hospital for new life. In the above photo, you can see a woman heading in through the visitors' entrance, with a gift in tow, to welcome one of Greensboro's newest citizens.

Let us take a moment to remember how precious each and every life is to our community. Today's newborn may be tomorrow's leader; at any rate on the day of birth, all doors are open and the sky is the limit.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Last time we were in the Green Bean Coffee House, in downtown Greensboro, we were thrilled to see Courtney Cormier's artwork displayed. It appears that she is again painting out of the Artmongerz Gallery, also downtown. According to the artist's website, Courtney is a "self taught satirical pop surrealist." To the left, you see the Organ Grinder. In the foreground, you see Improvised Explosive Piñata, in which bubbles and nails come out of the cracked piñata. At first, the painting looks festive and happy; then, at closer glance, there is a dark element. This is a great example of the deep thought Cormier puts into her paintings.

Piñatas are a staple in Mexican Christmas festivities and are everywhere in the country this time of year. The Mexican community in Greensboro also enjoys the tradition of breaking open a piñata- less the gruesome element! If Santa had unlimited resources, we'd ask for this original painting for Christmas. Regardless of who ultimately owns the painting, it is nice to know Greensboro has such culturally aware, deep-thinking, young artists.

(Do you think a 30" X 40" stretched canvas would fit down the chimney)?

Friday, December 19, 2014

The Summit Cafe has been known for its breakfasts, lunches, and dinners since 1989. Located at 1050 Summit Avenue, near Aycock Middle School and Bessemer Avenue, the cafe is famous for its fried whiting fish breakfast with grits and eggs. It is getting harder and harder to find a good, old-fashioned, home-cooked meals, but people flock here for the daily specials that are a great money value.

Tomorrow evening, if you eat dinner at the Summit, head a few doors down to the Firm and, at 7:00 p.m. participate in their first, annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at 7:00 pm. The $10 cover gives you good music, free h'ordeuvres, and the chance to show off some over-the-top Christmas sweater attitude. With so much to do in Greensboro in December, there is never an excuse to be home alone- unless, of course, it is by choice.

As for us, we'll be out hunting for more photos to share. Greensboro Daily Photo is getting close to finishing our sixth year of publishing a photo a day as part of the City Daily Photo community. That is almost 2,200 digital photos of Greensboro, shared. Wear your wildest Christmas sweater this weekend and don't be surprised if we ask you to be in a photo!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Apple Store at Friendly Center has been busy with the holiday rush (as has all the rest of the shopping center- the new and the old part). The above photo shows just how friendly people are when the weather is nice and in the presence of beautiful canines. There are actually two dogs in the photo, although only one is visible from this angle. The two groups, a middle-aged couple and a couple of local college students, were having a grand time swapping stories about their dogs. In the background, people were coming and going purchasing new devices for the holidays.

How wonderful when, even in the frenzied, holiday rush, people take the time to stop and interact. In Greensboro, if you greet someone, they are usually willing to engage in conversation; whether it is to discuss what kind of deli food to try next, which electronic device is the most practical for a given situation, or what kind of dog food your canine prefers....

Here's to keeping the "friendly" in Friendly Center and in being friendly, regardless of where we are or how rushed we are feeling. Surely, that will add enjoyment to the MacHolidays!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

This photo was taken at Edward McKay Used Books on Battleground Avenue. We were so struck with how much the young girl was enjoying reading. It was as if all the adventures in the world were encapsulated on those small pages. Enjoyment of reading ranges from passionate to complete disinterest. It is hard to imagine that there are those who will never know the joy of reading a good book. As we we enter the season of gift giving, consider buying a book for a special someone in your life.

According to Neil Gaiman, "A book is a dream you hold in your hand." From the looks of things in the above photo, this young person was having a great dream. In the frenzy of holiday shopping this weekend, consider going to a bookstore or one of Greensboro's great public libraries and escaping to bookland. Next on our plate is a book by local writer, Mary Flynn, hopefully, we'll be as enthralled as the young girl above.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

This fall, a second location of the Green Bean Coffee House opened quietly in Golden Gate Plaza on Cornwallis at Church Street. Formerly, the stand-alone building was a Starbucks and, before that, a bank. The bank's walk-in safe is still intact, adding provenance to the building. How wonderful that some of our local businesses are expanding. Also, it is nice to see businesses edging into to the east side of town. This location of the Green Bean is about a block away from Vida Pour Tea; hopefully, Greensboro residents will think of the State Street/Cornwallis area as a place to meet friends for tea and coffee. Both spaces are really quite charming! Green Bean North has a different vibe from the downtown store. But then, it is still new enough that, if you start going, you can help create the vibe!

Are you ready for the last weekend before winter break? If you are buying teacher and school staff gifts, this weekend is it. We're sure Green Bean North and Vida Pour Tea could help you find something great! Happy Thursday! At the very least, you'll enjoy good coffee, tea, and art!

Monday, December 01, 2014

Today is theme day for the City Daily Photo community and the theme is "worker." In the above photo, you can see a worker from D.H. Griffin in the middle of a demolition project at Chandler Concrete on Mill Street. Perhaps you've driven by Chandler Concrete for years; maybe noticed it when shopping at Edward McKay Books; marveled at this elaborate operation so close to downtown. We finally got around to featuring their business (here) in late September. Lo and behold, if we didn't see it getting demolished a little over a month later.

The two-acre site has been a concrete operation since 1946. However, the land has been sold to Mill Street Commons LLC and will likely become retail, matching the surrounding businesses. Additionally, the Greenway will go right by the property and a bike ride will be a little more pleasant without the noise and dust from concrete in the making.

You can read more about Chandler Concrete, here. Also, read more about the company's relocation to South Elm-Eugene and their restrictive covenant in the Mill Street sale that will enhance the Greenway (here). No wonder CEO Ted Chandler was voted one of the Triad's most influential people, always working hard for his company and, it appears, for Greensboro!

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Greensboro's own Design Archives (DA) has been thriving in Downtown Greensboro for several years. Kit Rodenbough, photographed above, opened the first Design Archives across from Natty Greene's Restaurant after several years of selling her own vintage items. The store represents over 70 vendors with small businesses. Some vendors offer vintage goods; others, handmade items. In many cases DA serves as an incubator and headquarters for businesses that grow in many directions including having an online presence. At DA, you can find anything from hand-poured candles, sauces for food, and North Carolina-themed t-shirts to vintage silk scarves and antique lamps. There is something for everybody.

The DA concept has been so successful that Kit expanded to downtown Winston-Salem- a location we affectionately refer to as Design Archives West. The second store officially opened last week; however, this Saturday, they're having a BIG grand opening with door prizes and specials. Congratulations to Kit and her vendors. For sure, buying local is trending in the Triad!

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Other than in the print media, the above hand-lettered sign was our first sighting of the word "Ebola" in Greensboro. How strange to see "EBOLA CALL 911" on a Mercedes Benz at the Goodwill Store on West Market Street. What on earth was the message the driver of this car was trying to convey? The words "Goodwill Ebola" or "Ebola Goodwill" just don't seem to go together.

Ebola has touched North Carolina. There is a patient being watched at Duke who does not seem to have contacted Ebola. The second American to contact the virus was Nancy Writebol of Charlotte. She fought for her life this summer, but has recovered.* She seems to be doing well now and cautions to avoid letting fear take hold of us. Perhaps we also need to caution treating the subject with humor. Have you heard people mutter "Ebola" when someone coughed? We have. We did not get to talk to the person driving the above vehicle, so we'll never know what they meant by the sign. What is your best guess? Have you seen anything like this sign on a car in your community? Like Ebola itself, we seem to offer more questions than answers. Mere thoughts for Thursday.........

Saturday, November 01, 2014

With all of the political advertising, bumper stickers, buttons and commercials about the upcoming election on November 4th, it was refreshing to see campaigning of another kind- for eating healthy food. The above apron, worn by a very hardworking Earthfare supermarket employee, shows many of the buttons she has earned for doing good deeds at work. She earned one in our book by being so pleasant as we were checking out.

It has been said that people who come door to door canvasing neighborhoods at electiontime document whether you are flying an American flag; they input what your bumper stickers on your car say; and they record names on signs in your yard. Well, if they came by Ms. Kathryn's house, they'd have to note, "eats healthy." Surely, that doesn't peg one as libreal or conservative; Democrat or Republican!

Happy Saturday, folks. Don't forget to set the clock back an hour. Also, if you have enough energy left post-Halloween, head down to the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street this evening or tomorrow for the Day of the Dead festivities- Greensboro style.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Crafted, the Art of the Taco, is a restaurant that was established in 2012. Located downtown on the 200 block of South Elm Street, it has taken the community by storm. Fresh tacos with not so typical ingredients are served up in a tiny place that is barely wide enough for two people to pass side-by-side. While you wait, you can watch the cooks who are right there in the front of the restaurant.

Today, were're featuring the chalkboard advertising CRAFTED from the street view. Chalk art is a trending career. With their elaborate, seasonal announcements brilliantly displayed in chalk, stores like Whole Foods and Starbucks must have full-time chalk artists. Smaller places like CRAFTED celebrate their offerings in chalk, too. And, at CRAFTED, while you are waiting, there is a chalkboard to try out your artistic talent. Who knows, you just may be the next great chalk artist. Start noticing all the places where you see the Art of the Chalk! Find some good food while you are at it!

Friday, October 24, 2014

North Carolina has the Biltmore House, America's largest home, built by the Vanderbilts in the 1890's. Greensboro has The Biltmore Hotel, built in 1903 as office space for the Cone Brothers. Over the years, the 3-storey building has changed hands and purposes. In the 1960's Greensboro's own Otto Zenke decorated the hotel to give it the appearance of an English hunting lodge. The Biltmore tries hard to make the stay memorable for its guests.*

Indeed, the dreamy photo of the Biltmore Hotel on West Washington Street in Downtown Greensboro evokes yesteryear, especially when seen with a vintage red car in the foreground. Sounds like a great place to stay for a night, even for those from Greensboro. We're sharing this with Weekend Reflections where they will be quick to spot the reflection of us taking the photo.